A man acquitted of raping a woman

Seconds after Judge Pamela Beckles told him he could leave, Shawn Antonio Holder collapsed in the dock, prompting an audible gasp from Supreme Court No. 5.

The drama unfolded on Monday afternoon when a nine-person jury acquitted Holder after just over an hour of deliberations.

The owner of King William Street, The City, spent four years in custody after being accused of raping a woman on November 8, 2016.

As police, prison and court officials rushed to his aid, a grateful and tearful Holder fell to his knees and sent praise to the sky before thanking the jury and judge and leaving the courthouse.

Holder was represented by attorney Shadia Simpson and the case was prosecuted by Chief State Counsel Olivia Davis.